Sorry I haven't been writing this week. I'm having one of those work weeks that we all have and the only cure is to go fishing.
Should you tie your own leader or by a tapered leader? This is a tough question, but I'll tell you what happened to me.
Last trip I decided to tie my own leaders because I like the challenge of tying my own and frankly, I think they cast a little better. I tied my own and tapered down with two pieces of butt section and about three pieces of mid section with a two to three foot tippet. The first cast I made to a bonefish I hooked him only to have my leader break in the midsection.
Not good for your confidence
Fortunately, I also brought along three tapered leaders and used these and attached a two foot fluorocarbon tippet using a triple surgeons knot. I'm going to take this approach for the upcoming trip.
I still think that tying your own leaders gives you a better cast, and it will certainly help you improve your casts, but I'm just spooked with my knot tying ability so for me, its better to go with what you're confident with.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
We Like Permit
The guys at WORLDAngling have a new site to raise awareness on Permit fishing in the Keys and to try and get this fish listed and protected as a gamefish.
http://welikepermit.com/
Permit are the Holy Grail of flats fishing and become an obsession for many who catch them or are looking to catch one.
If you can make te date, be sure to sign up an show your support.
http://welikepermit.com/
Permit are the Holy Grail of flats fishing and become an obsession for many who catch them or are looking to catch one.
If you can make te date, be sure to sign up an show your support.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Bahamas Bonefish Mix
I've talked about a music section on The Bonefish Flat before, and I'm getting there, but I thought I would share a mix I put together for the upcoming trip.
Song Artist
1. Toes Zach Brown Band
2. 2am Slightly Stoopid
3. Redemption Song Bob Marley
4. Australia The Shins
5. Punky Reggae Party Marley
6. Chicken Fried Zach Brown Band
7. The Thanks I Get Wilco
8. River Yonder Mountain String Band
9. Wagon Wheel Old Crow Medicine Show
10. Margaritaville Buffett
11. One Particular Harbor Buffett
12. If I Had Eyes Jack Johnson
13. A Pirate Looks at 40 Buffett
14. Easy Skanking Marley
Song Artist
1. Toes Zach Brown Band
2. 2am Slightly Stoopid
3. Redemption Song Bob Marley
4. Australia The Shins
5. Punky Reggae Party Marley
6. Chicken Fried Zach Brown Band
7. The Thanks I Get Wilco
8. River Yonder Mountain String Band
9. Wagon Wheel Old Crow Medicine Show
10. Margaritaville Buffett
11. One Particular Harbor Buffett
12. If I Had Eyes Jack Johnson
13. A Pirate Looks at 40 Buffett
14. Easy Skanking Marley
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Bahamas Bonefishing Article from The Tribune
Here's a great article from The Tribune which I'm assuming is the prominent newspaper of the Bahamas and it's based in Nassau.
The story provides some promising news and hope for a country to realize an invaluable resource. It seems that Bahamians understand the value of recreational fishing to the country. I found it interesting that the two islands benefitting the most from bonefishing are Andros and Abaco. I would have guessed Andros, but not sure that I would have thought Abaco number two. At any rate, it's great that the country is understanding the value of their AMAZING fishery.
Another interesting exercise is to take a few minutes to read through the paper. Something about it just feels like life is a bit simpler. As my loyal readers know, I post a lot of articles from the NY Times and the Washington Post. Both newspapers deliver a lot of news, but there is something refreshing about reading through this paper.
Maybe it makes me feel like I'm in the Bahamas :)
The results of this study, entitled "The Economic Impact of Flats Fishing in The Bahamas", show that with responsible conservation and management, this fishing industry can continue to be an economic engine for the Bahamas, especially the Family Islands.
According to the study, expenditures by anglers were not just for guides and accommodations, but also for meals, transportation and other goods and services that benefitted the economy. Anglers spent approximately 27 per cent more than general visitors per visit, and 17 per cent more per visitor night, further emphasising the importance of recreational flats anglers to the country's economy, the study said.
The islands with the greatest economic benefit from flats fishing were Andros and Abaco, but all islands benefitted from flats anglers and direct expenditures on the Family Islands ranged from $3 million to more than $18 million. This study said that this fishery and its associated economy can be maintained through good conservation of coastal habitats, water quality, and protection of the fish populations.
The Bahamas Flats Alliance is a partnership of the Bahamas National Trust, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and the Fisheries Conservation Foundation.
The Alliance said it commissioned the study as an important first step in demonstrating to local communities and resource management agencies the need to protect these vital resources.
The story provides some promising news and hope for a country to realize an invaluable resource. It seems that Bahamians understand the value of recreational fishing to the country. I found it interesting that the two islands benefitting the most from bonefishing are Andros and Abaco. I would have guessed Andros, but not sure that I would have thought Abaco number two. At any rate, it's great that the country is understanding the value of their AMAZING fishery.
Another interesting exercise is to take a few minutes to read through the paper. Something about it just feels like life is a bit simpler. As my loyal readers know, I post a lot of articles from the NY Times and the Washington Post. Both newspapers deliver a lot of news, but there is something refreshing about reading through this paper.
Maybe it makes me feel like I'm in the Bahamas :)
Flats fishing industry can be viable economic engine for the Bahamas
THE Bahamas' flats fishing industry has an economic impact of nearly $141 million annually, according to a recent study by the Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance. The study found that although fishing-related tourism was down by 11.6 per cent from 2007 due to the global recession, the flats fishing industry - including bonefish, tarpon and permit - continues to provide considerable economic value.The results of this study, entitled "The Economic Impact of Flats Fishing in The Bahamas", show that with responsible conservation and management, this fishing industry can continue to be an economic engine for the Bahamas, especially the Family Islands.
According to the study, expenditures by anglers were not just for guides and accommodations, but also for meals, transportation and other goods and services that benefitted the economy. Anglers spent approximately 27 per cent more than general visitors per visit, and 17 per cent more per visitor night, further emphasising the importance of recreational flats anglers to the country's economy, the study said.
The islands with the greatest economic benefit from flats fishing were Andros and Abaco, but all islands benefitted from flats anglers and direct expenditures on the Family Islands ranged from $3 million to more than $18 million. This study said that this fishery and its associated economy can be maintained through good conservation of coastal habitats, water quality, and protection of the fish populations.
The Bahamas Flats Alliance is a partnership of the Bahamas National Trust, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and the Fisheries Conservation Foundation.
The Alliance said it commissioned the study as an important first step in demonstrating to local communities and resource management agencies the need to protect these vital resources.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Cheesesteaks, Bonefish, and the Census
I'm less than a month away from my big bonefishing trip. I'm getting ready to get into the mode of casting practice and tying flies. You've seen a few of the flies on the site and if not, you can check them out on our fly tying page here.
I'm really looking forward to a few days of R&R and using what I've learned in previous trips to be a better angler on this trip.
This is the last day in Philly so I had to put up Pats against Geno's. I went to Geno's tonight and here's a pic.
Sorry Geno's, but Pats is the winner.
In bonefishing news, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust is conducting a bonefish census in Florida ranging from Key Biscayne to the Marquesas. Below is the press release.
Bonefishing is a multimillion dollar industry in the Florida Keys and virtually all of the fish are released unharmed to fight again. The bonefish census, coordinated by the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and the University of Miami RSMAS, helps to determine population trends of one of the Keys most important sport fish. This is the first and only population estimate ever done on bonefish anywhere in the world. The census information is vital to evaluating year-to-year changes in the bonefish population and providing guidance that ensures a sustainable fishery!!!
Fall census results have indicated a population of just over 320,000 bonefish in the Florida Keys fishery. We want to use the Spring census to calibrate our Fall estimates and to determine if there is a seasonal component to the bonefish population size estimates. Of particular note, your participation in this year’s census is critically important because we are trying to get a handle on the extent to which January’s extremely cold weather has impacted the Florida Keys bonefish population.
Our ability to detect population size differences from year to year depends on the number of census participants. *The more participants we have the more robust our population size estimate.* Please volunteer to help us as we need greater coverage of the fishery running from Key Biscayne to the Marquesas. *All the information collected during the census will remain strictly confidential and be used only for scientific research purposes.*
If you are able to participate please contact Dr. Jerry Ault at jault@rsmas.miami.edu or 305-421-4884. Once we have heard from you we will mail you a census package with a datasheet. Your responsibilities are minimal, all we ask is that you record: the zone(s) you fished; the distance poled; and, the number of bonefish seen. Simple, but very important! Finally, census datasheets will also be available from Florida Keys Outfitters (305-664-5423) or can be downloaded at www.bonefishresearch.com.
We are counting on you to help us determine the current population size of this very important sports fish.
Dr. Jerry Ault
jault@rsmas.miami.edu
I'm really looking forward to a few days of R&R and using what I've learned in previous trips to be a better angler on this trip.
This is the last day in Philly so I had to put up Pats against Geno's. I went to Geno's tonight and here's a pic.
Sorry Geno's, but Pats is the winner.
In bonefishing news, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust is conducting a bonefish census in Florida ranging from Key Biscayne to the Marquesas. Below is the press release.
Spring Florida Keys Bonefish Population Census
Esteemed Guides and Anglers, we need your help! This will be our third consecutive year of conducting a Spring Bonefish Population Census to calibrate with results from the Fall Florida Keys Bonefish Population Census, now in its 8th year. The 2010 Spring census event is planned for *Wednesday, April 21, 2010*.Bonefishing is a multimillion dollar industry in the Florida Keys and virtually all of the fish are released unharmed to fight again. The bonefish census, coordinated by the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and the University of Miami RSMAS, helps to determine population trends of one of the Keys most important sport fish. This is the first and only population estimate ever done on bonefish anywhere in the world. The census information is vital to evaluating year-to-year changes in the bonefish population and providing guidance that ensures a sustainable fishery!!!
Fall census results have indicated a population of just over 320,000 bonefish in the Florida Keys fishery. We want to use the Spring census to calibrate our Fall estimates and to determine if there is a seasonal component to the bonefish population size estimates. Of particular note, your participation in this year’s census is critically important because we are trying to get a handle on the extent to which January’s extremely cold weather has impacted the Florida Keys bonefish population.
Our ability to detect population size differences from year to year depends on the number of census participants. *The more participants we have the more robust our population size estimate.* Please volunteer to help us as we need greater coverage of the fishery running from Key Biscayne to the Marquesas. *All the information collected during the census will remain strictly confidential and be used only for scientific research purposes.*
If you are able to participate please contact Dr. Jerry Ault at jault@rsmas.miami.edu or 305-421-4884. Once we have heard from you we will mail you a census package with a datasheet. Your responsibilities are minimal, all we ask is that you record: the zone(s) you fished; the distance poled; and, the number of bonefish seen. Simple, but very important! Finally, census datasheets will also be available from Florida Keys Outfitters (305-664-5423) or can be downloaded at www.bonefishresearch.com.
We are counting on you to help us determine the current population size of this very important sports fish.
Dr. Jerry Ault
jault@rsmas.miami.edu
Monday, April 12, 2010
Fish, Run, Drive
What a jam packed weekend. I had a chance to go fishing for a little while on Saturday for Shad in the Potomac.
For those that don't know, there are two types of Shad that we target, Hickory and American with the latter being a bigger fish.
Shad are anadromous which means they live in saltwater but breed in fresh. They are a hard fighting fish and make a great target with a fly rod. Unfortunately, I wasn't too lucky but some of the bait casters were catching fish. My problem was that I was fishing from the bank and limited to a roll cast. I could get out about 40 feet, but the fish seemed to be biting at 50.
Next weekend I look to get the kayak out and to have more on this fish. More good news about shad is that Rockfish (striped bass for those not in the mid-Atlantic) follow the shad.
On Sunday I ran the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile race in the morning and headed to Philadelphia in the evening for work. That makes a long day, but I capped off finishing the race with a cheesesteak.
Pats or Geno's? We hit Pats.
For those that don't know, there are two types of Shad that we target, Hickory and American with the latter being a bigger fish.
Shad are anadromous which means they live in saltwater but breed in fresh. They are a hard fighting fish and make a great target with a fly rod. Unfortunately, I wasn't too lucky but some of the bait casters were catching fish. My problem was that I was fishing from the bank and limited to a roll cast. I could get out about 40 feet, but the fish seemed to be biting at 50.
Next weekend I look to get the kayak out and to have more on this fish. More good news about shad is that Rockfish (striped bass for those not in the mid-Atlantic) follow the shad.
On Sunday I ran the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile race in the morning and headed to Philadelphia in the evening for work. That makes a long day, but I capped off finishing the race with a cheesesteak.
Pats or Geno's? We hit Pats.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Costa 2-Fly and Casting Competition
Hey folks,
It's a twofer from Costa. I found out yesterday that they are sponsoring the 2-Fly competition as part of the Teva Mountain Games to be held in Vail, Colorado, on June 5-8. The grand prize is $1000 big ones and there is an 80 angler limit. Registration is $35 per person.
The event kicks off with an accuracy casting competition.
Check out the release from Costa below.
About Costa®
It's a twofer from Costa. I found out yesterday that they are sponsoring the 2-Fly competition as part of the Teva Mountain Games to be held in Vail, Colorado, on June 5-8. The grand prize is $1000 big ones and there is an 80 angler limit. Registration is $35 per person.
The event kicks off with an accuracy casting competition.
Check out the release from Costa below.
Costa 2-Fly X-Stream Fishing Competition 2010 Registration Opens
Popular Teva Mountain Games Event Attracts Top Anglers
Vail, Colo. – Apr. 9, 2010 – Think your fly skills are better than the rest? Registration for the Teva Mountain Games Costa 2-Fly X-Stream fishing competition to be held on Sat., Jun. 5 – Sun., Jun. 6, in Vail is now open to the first 80 anglers interested in vying for the $1,000 grand prize.
As in years past, the fly fishing competitors will begin with a qualifying round of accuracy casting competition on land, where the top 20 male and top five female casters will advance to the semi-qualifier held at Gore Creek in Vail. These 25 anglers will cast into a variety of targets to accumulate the highest score and the top eight male and top two females will then advance to the final on-water fishing round on Sunday. Anglers will have the choice to utilize two fly patterns during the event to be held at a nearby river, announced the morning of the competition and chosen based on conditions.
The angler with the most total points, based on fish count and size, will win the grand prize of $1,000. Second and third place prizes will also be given, along with an award for the catch and release of the largest fish; with a total fishing prize purse of $2,250. All podium winners will receive a Ross Reel and the top ten finalists will score Costa sunglasses and other Costa gear.
The entry fee is $35 per person, and is open to the first 80 anglers to register. This event has sold out quickly in previous years well in advance of the event.
“Each year, the competition for this event gets more and more stiff,” said Chas MacDonald, president of Costa. “These are some of the best fly anglers in the world demonstrating the art and skill of the sport.”
Costa Del Mar 2 Fly X-Stream Fishing Competition
Saturday, Jun. 5 7 a.m.
Fly Fishing Qualifier Mountain Plaza/Vista Bahn Lawn
Each of the 80 registered fly anglers will attempt on-land casts at targets for accuracy and judged distance with the top performers moving on to the semi-qualifiers.
Saturday, Jun. 5 2 p.m.
Fly Fishing Semi-Qualifier Gore Creek/International Bridge Whitewater Park
The semi-qualifier contestants will move to Gore Creek, near the International Bride and cast into various targets hanging over the water or on the river banks. The top eight male and two female casters will move on to the Costa 2 Fly X-Stream on-water fishing finals.
Sunday, Jun. 6 8 a.m.
Fly Fishing Finals Location TBA
The Finals will consist of a timed float trip on a yet-to-be-named river with two competitors per boat, five boats total. Anglers will be able to use two fly patterns and winners will be awarded based on quantity or size of their catch. The location will be determined based on river conditions and announced the morning of the competition.
About Costa®
As the leading manufacturer of the world’s clearest polarized performance sunglasses, Costa offers superior lens technology, unparalleled fit and durability, and a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects on all of its products. Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa creates what has been referred to as the highest quality, best performing sunglasses on the planet for outdoor enthusiasts.
For Costa, conservation is all about sustainable fishing. Many fisheries that should be vibrant and healthy are all but devoid of native fish because they have fallen victim to poor fishing practices, unregulated development, lack of watershed protection or all of the above. Costa works with partners around the world to help increase awareness and influence policy so that both the fish and fishermen of tomorrow will have healthy waters to enjoy. Costa encourages others to help in any way they can.
For more information, contact 1-800-447-3700 or visit the company’s Web site at www.costadelmar.com, or join in the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costadelmar.
About Teva Mountain Games
The Teva Mountain Games are the nation's largest celebration of mountain sport, lifestyle and music featuring top professional and amateur athletes from around the world. The environmentally-friendly adventure sporting event hosts approximately 2,000 adventure athletes, along with an estimated 40,000 spectators. Athletes converge on Vail's mountains and rivers to compete in eight sports and 24 disciplines for over $100,000 in prize money. Events include kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, road cycling, World Cup Bouldering, amateur climbing, fly-fishing, trail and road running and stand up paddling. Additional events at the Teva Mountain Games include: a film series, a photography competition, an interactive expo area, DockDog canine competitions; free concerts and parties. The Teva Mountain Games are a project of the Vail Valley Foundation. For more information, visit www.tevamountaingames.com.
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